Bicycle Love Ambassador

Sometimes when I'm out having my day I get accosted by the merely curious, the grossly misinformed or the flat out jerks. Sometimes this just involves weird looks and hasty remarks shot my way. Other times I am actually face to face - in a situation where I can choose to speak - engage in a conversation with this other person before me.

I've developed over time a mind set in these situations. I purposely see my self as an Ambassador of Bicycle Love. Every encounter is a chance to do Out Reach. Out Reach that might just change a person's life. Forever.

To start, my first assessment is if this person before me is giving off psycho vibes, I've learned to trust my inner gut. If it's psycho or rageaholic vibes I am getting outta there . Simple.

Now if it's curious questions as to why I wear heels and how do I do it, then I'm prepared. I hand them a business card, invite them to visit my blog. Ditto for the whole gander of merely curious type questions; what bicycle I am riding, where did I get it. Or my favorite-- "how fast can you go on that thing".

I generally try to be as helpful and friendly as I can be. Spread the Bicycle Love.

Note: if I were riding a brand new Abici bicycle or some other ballpark $$ 2K bicycle - Pashley, Oma Workcycle, Batavus or the like I would hand them a card too. This one with the bicycle shop where they could go buy a bicycle just like mine - with this caveat - that they go tell the LBS/Manufacturer that RidngPretty sent them. I would like to earn brownie points (I'd deserve them!) with said bicycle manufacture and LBS. After all I am a BIG talking, walking (rather riding), stylishly attired, blogging billboard for them!

Onto the grossly misinformed, if I can stand it I would try to talk my way through whatever misunderstanding they present me with. I actually haven't had to do this yet but if I continually got the same repetitious question again and again I would print up a card with a quick faq answer. One with either my blog address included on it or not. My choice.

(via schoolofill)

For the flat out jerks (those that aren't in the psycho category) I size up what my chances are of making a positive impact. I won't stand down but I won't let them escalate me so that I'm ranting/screaming as loudly as they are. It really is a case by case situation. Thankfully I encounter this situation rarely. My community is a very bikey town and always has been.

Portland Tweed Ride - 'Wish You Were There' Video

This is too good. It really has a 'Wish You Were There' quality about it- meaning I wish I was there! Perhaps next time.

Enjoy!

Longevity and The Bicycle

Jeanne Louise Calment rode a bicycle until she was age 100. She went on to live to be 122. This makes her very rare, one of the longest lived persons ever. She was neither athletic nor an obsessed bicyclist...riding a bicycle was merely habitual for her. Riding a bicycle was part of her lifestyle as was walking and these were the means by which she got herself around her town, her community. Her community? - She lived for a time in Paris as well in Arles where she was born.

Truth be known...she did smoke ciggies to the age 117, I can forgive her that. She is still an inspiration. I can just imagine her on her bicycle...yes, perhaps doing her market shopping trips to the center of her village.

(photographer/credit: unknown- this is not a photo of Jeanne)

I find myself happier knowing that a huge portion of what I need to accomplish and where I need to go within a day can all be done via walking and/or riding my bicycle. It's come down to a matter of proximity and localization. Beautiful bicycle paths with an ocean view help make my ride a dream come true.

I want to emulate Jeanne - To the good life, the simpler lifestyle! To riding a bicycle to age 100!

Ice Ahead - Dutch Bicycles Watch Out!

(Via)

Is there a lesson in all this? You be the judge.

Cool Cruiser Bicycle

(photo by ridingpretty)

Giving a little bikey love ... xoxo for the beloved beach cruiser!

Portland, Oregon 1st Annual Tweed Ride!

(photo credit: William200549)

Yes, photos are starting to appear from the Portland Oregon 1st Annual Tweed Ride!
This photo by William200549 (on Flickr) was my immediate first choice because I just love pedicabs! Really there were quite a number of excellent photos but you'll just have to go see for yourself. You can see the rest of his photos here.

From what I can gather at this early stage (the ride just happened earlier today) is while the streets were wet with the weather on the damp side, the Tweed Ride was a great success!

Get a Bike Job - Work with Kids

Green Ways to School in Santa Cruz, CA is hiring a bike educator/advocate to help kids understand the connections between transportation, environment, health, and the community. We are looking for a cyclist with an education background to run this innovative and inspiring program and build the youth bike movement. Check out the job posting here, and email asap to get application materials. Due feb 5th!

(photo credit: peoplepowered and green ways to school)

Carolyn is leaving her position. She thought someone in Santa Cruz perhaps would see this posting and be the perfect fit so she asked me the do this post for her. Carolyn also says:

"... people need to apply by Feb 5th, and part of the process is some pretty lengthy questions that they can get from me if they email. They wouldn't fit in the posting!"

So I'm hyperlinking to Carolyn's email if you're that special person and want to contact her.